Candidates' positions are categorized as Pro (Yes), Con (No), Not Clearly Pro or Con, or None Found. Candidates who have changed their positions are listed as Now their most recent position. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by party; black & white photos indicate candidates who have withdrawn or who no longer meet our criteria.)
Chuck Baldwin, Founder and Minister of the Crossroad Baptist Church in Pensacola, FL, issued the following statement through his Communications Director, Mary Starrett, in an Aug. 18, 2008 email to ProCon.org:
"It has not been clearly established that such deployments are necessary to the defense of U.S. territory and population." Aug. 18, 2008 Chuck Baldwin
Bob Barr, former US House Representative (R-GA), stated in a Dec. 13, 2001 article titled "Barr Praises President's Decision to Withdraw from ABM Treaty" on his US House of Representatives website:
"The primary concern of the United States must be the protection of its citizens, and moving forward with a limited missile defense system is an essential step towards ensuring our future freedom and security." Dec. 13, 2001 Bob Barr
John McCain, US Senator (R-AZ), stated in a May 27, 2008 article titled "Remarks by John McCain on Nuclear Security" on his official candidate website:
"...[W]e must continue to deploy a safe and reliable nuclear deterrent, robust missile defenses and superior conventional forces that are capable of defending the United States and our allies...
I also believe we should work with Russia to build confidence in our missile defense program, including through such initiatives as the sharing of early warning data and prior notification of missile launches." May 27, 2008 John McCain
Cynthia McKinney, former US House Representative (D-GA), in a May 30, 2008 article titled "Statement on Hunger Strike to Oppose US Star War Deployment in Czech Republic, Poland" on the All Things Cynthia McKinney website, stated:
"While in Congress I voted against every iteration of so-called missile defense--star wars--that was authorized or appropriated. I want you to know that I deeply understand the dangers that will come from a decision to accept the U.S. Star Wars radar in the Czech Republic and interceptor missiles in Poland. There is no doubt that a new cold war is underway here that could once again bring Europe back into the middle of another U.S.-Russia conflict."
Ralph Nader, attorney, author, and political activist, issued the following statement through his Communications Director and Policy Writer, Loralynne Krobetzky, in an Oct. 20, 2008 email to ProCon.org:
Barack Obama, US Senator (D-IL), in an article titled "Barack Obama: A Stronger Partnership with Europe for a Safer America" on his official candidate website (accessed July 10, 2008), stated:
"Barack Obama will spare no effort to protect Americans from the threats posed by nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. With Iran actively moving forward with programs in both areas, it would be irresponsible not to explore the possibility of deploying missile defense systems in Europe to help protect against this threat. Such systems should only be deployed, however, if based on sound technology that works. Rather than rushing unilaterally to deploy an unproven system according to a political calendar, Obama will work closely with America’s NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] allies to develop technologies to confront the full range of ballistic missile threats to America and its allies. He will fully consult Russia on prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation on missile defense but will not give Russia any veto over decisions about U.S. national security." July 10, 2008 Barack Obama
INACTIVE CANDIDATES
(Candidates who have withdrawn or who no longer meet our criteria appear below in black and white and in alphabetical order by party.)